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December 16, 2013
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I'm on a downswing. No biggie, had 'em before, will have 'em a lot more.
One thing I always do on these downswings is adjust my range – tighten up a bit to minimize the variance. But lately even that doesn't work and I loose every hand left and right, even a few where I had 95% equity on the flop when we got it in.
Result is that I am morphing into scared money. Had a sunday where I played 35 MTTs, 0 cashes.
How do you mentally toughen yourself up during these times?
May 23, 2013
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I really liked this post about mental toughness:
When I'm on a downswing, I do more HH reviews to see where the issues might be. Currently in one now, so I'm studying a lot more and know it will turn around soon.
GL.
TPE Pro
December 6, 2012
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Try playing fewer tables. 35 is a lot of tournaments to play in a single day, and it's likely that part of the reason for your downswing is that you're autopiloting. Tightening up won't necessarily reduce your variance, but playing more attentively will.
December 16, 2013
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havent looked at it that way 🙂 thanks —
August 28, 2014
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There's the beginning of an upswing in that downswing, so I would keep playing just as you readjusted, stay within bankroll and also choose MTTs where there are less players (sometimes different times of the day helped greatly) and also try to choose those where there are less regs.
Always study and analyze your game, which is why you are on TPE. Good bankroll management is also very important. Make sure you have the correct number of buy-ins for the range of mtt buy-ins you are in. Lastly, play a consistent schedule if possible, dont play more tables then you can handle, and start your morning or grind with something that puts you in a correct and positive mindset. Consistency in all this will make your downswings less often and less severe imo. GLGL!
September 9, 2014
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The key is to focus on the long term and accept there will be periods many where you face downswings but it's this variance that brings weaker players back and ensures the game can be profitable.
We all know the odds of roulette, when you walk through a casino it's not rare to see a screen showing red or black has hit 8-10 times in a row (the record is 32 reds in a row). Now think how much more likely it is for you to see a day of not cashing in your MTTs. As a professional you need to accept these days as just a blip in the bigger picture and have faith that your edge will show in your annual results. Obviously this is only possible is you are effectively rolled for the stakes you are playing and there is a very limited risk of ruin.
Check through your HHs and look out for signs of excessive passivity or aggression through fear or frustration. Focus on increasing your edge anywhere you can and as another poster said reduce your table numbers to increase your chances of better play and regain some confidence.
GL!
August 4, 2014
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I would take off for a week only studying watching tpe videos etc. Sometimes you just need to step out a bit and then come back stronger. I would also recommend reducing the amount of mtts you are playing and stay in budget not to go on a mental downswing. Because like you said, once you start losing money, you play scared, and you cannot play your A game.
TPE Pro
August 25, 2012
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Mentally warm up and warm down before you play. Halve your number of tables, play shorter sessions, and focus on playing your absolute best poker. Analyse your game after every session. Review your stats until you're confident you're playing your best.
You don't have to do all of this stuff in perpetuity (although it will help if you do), but at least do it long enough that you can get your confidence back and be sure you're playing your best. If you're playing your best, there's nothing more you can do.
Also, tightening up in a downswing is natural, but it's not always right. Often playing your best means you're taking the thin edges and noticing the obscure spots you might otherwise miss, but when you're in a 'tightening up' mindset, you turn down these spots. Sometimes trying to reduce variance can end up reducing your ROI instead.
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